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Jersey Shore Borough Council approves addition of helipad to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital

JERSEY SHORE — A mix of borough residents and Geisinger officials filled the Wheeland Center to mandated capacity on Tuesday for a public hearing ahead of borough council’s vote on the addition of a helicopter pad to Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital.

After arguments were made for and against the addition, council voted 4-1 in favor of the heliport, with Barb E. Schmouder voting no.

Some borough residents shared their concerns regarding their businesses and homes near the hospital, fearing possible debris and disruptive noises.

The pad will keep wind and noise at a threshold that is the same as a “shouted conversation,” according to a Life Flight pilot.

Highways are proven to be louder than Life Flight helicopters, argued Edward Mitchel, the lawyer representing Geisinger.

A Life Flight pilot added that there would not be downdraft of winds or a chance of debris flying into nearby spaces. He assured the public that the pad will not create safety issues for the hospital, hospital staff or neighboring businesses or residential spaces.

One borough resident not only applauded when council announced its approval, but spoke about his experience with and interest in the helicopter pad.

“It is an asset to the community,” he said. “Thank you for what you guys are doing.”

The heliport will be elevated and located above the ambulance entrance.

The overall project will include more than just the helicopter pad upon completion, according to Geisinger officials.

The final project will have new lighting fixtures having the lighting fixed specifically to the parking lot and hospital grounds – not flooding into neighboring residential spaces, and an elevator to get to and from the helicopter pad.

It also will not decrease parking.

Many instances where Life Flight is needed include timely services of heart attacks and strokes to severe accidents and will help stabilize patients for their necessary care at larger healthcare centers.

“Every minute matters,” Jerry Splitt, Life Flight program director and flight nurse, said. “I think we are doing some great things. The helipad, bringing that access to the medical teams to the hospital that much quicker, is going to make a difference in people’s lives.”

Geisinger has completed 35 emergency Life Flight transports in the past year, according to Tammy Anderer, chief administrative officer of Geisinger’s northcentral region.

“This is at a time where time means everything,” she said.

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